Beach residents warned of increased neighborhood crime

SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - San Diego police have a warning for residents living in north Pacific Beach. They say there has been an increase in home break-ins, specifically during the day.

To get the word out, police are alerting people by handing out yellow flyers. They went door-to-door with them just a couple days ago. They say stop and lock and have tips on how to prevent theft.

Marilyn Smith has had her fair share of car break-ins, since she's lived in north pacific beach.

"Probably three times and that's in the last 15 years," said explained.

The last incident happened less than a year ago.

For Amber Sonsteng it was much more recently:

"My car was broken into last month and they shattered the window."

While car break-ins are nothing new in this area, San Diego police say they are noticing the area has been hit with more crime - specifically home burglaries.

So far this year, there have been 156 in PB - compared to 260 total in 2012. And many of those break-ins occur during the daytime, when people tend not to be home, which is why for the first time officers have passed out flyers around the neighborhood warning residents and instructing them about the importance of locking up. They say would-be robbers are looking for unlocked windows and doors. They make a quick entry and take items, such as laptops and jewelry.